Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

There’s something about the combination of tender, juicy chicken and rich, smoky barbecue sauce that makes for an irresistible meal. With this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors of BBQ without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work for you, slowly cooking the chicken in a flavorful BBQ sauce until it’s perfectly tender and ready to shred. This is a fantastic dish for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or any time you’re craving a simple, comforting meal with minimal effort. Pair it with your favorite sides or load it onto sandwiches, tacos, or over a bed of rice for a meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

The best part? This slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe requires just a few simple ingredients, and you can let it cook while you go about your day. Whether you’re looking to create a family-friendly dinner or prep a meal for a crowd, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that always delivers the kind of flavor you’re craving. It’s versatile, delicious, and can be enjoyed in so many different ways!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-Off Cooking

Once you place everything in the slow cooker, it’s essentially hands-off. No need to babysit the stove—just set it and forget it!

2. Super Tender Chicken

The slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender, so it easily shreds with a fork. It’s the perfect texture for BBQ sandwiches or tacos.

3. Rich, Smoky Flavor

The BBQ sauce caramelizes over time, soaking into the chicken and creating a deep, smoky flavor that’s hard to beat.

4. Great for Meal Prep

This recipe is ideal for meal prepping. The leftovers taste just as good the next day, and it’s versatile enough to use in different meals throughout the week.

5. Perfect for Feeding a Crowd

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a party, or a gathering, this recipe can easily be scaled up to feed a large group with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Onion (optional, sliced)
Garlic (optional, minced)
Salt and pepper
Apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)
Brown sugar or honey (optional, for sweetness)

Variations

Add Veggies: Toss in some sliced bell peppers or carrots for added texture and flavor.
Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add a bit of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or sliced jalapeños to the BBQ sauce for extra spice.
Different Sauces: Try different varieties of BBQ sauce—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—to customize the flavor.
Add Pineapple: For a tropical twist, add pineapple chunks to the slow cooker along with the chicken.
Cook with Soda: Some recipes call for cola or root beer to cook the chicken in, which adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. If using, add sliced onions and minced garlic on top of the chicken for extra flavor.

Step 2: Add the BBQ Sauce

Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure the chicken is well-covered. If you like a bit of tang, add a splash of apple cider vinegar, and for extra sweetness, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Set the Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on how much time you have. The chicken is done when it’s tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining BBQ sauce for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on buns for sandwiches, in tacos, over rice, or with your favorite side dishes. Top with coleslaw, pickles, or extra BBQ sauce for added flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay juicier, but chicken breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat. Both will shred beautifully once cooked.
Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure if the chicken is done, check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Make Extra: Double the recipe and freeze the leftovers! BBQ chicken freezes well and can be reheated for another meal.
Don’t Overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, avoid overcooking the chicken as it could dry out. Stick to the recommended cooking times for the best results.

How to Serve

This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a classic BBQ experience, serve the chicken on soft sandwich buns with a side of coleslaw and pickles. You can also pile the chicken on soft tortillas for BBQ chicken tacos or over a bed of rice for a satisfying dinner. The smoky, tender chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, including baked beans, corn on the cob, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover BBQ chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover BBQ chicken on low in a slow cooker, in the microwave, or on the stovetop with a little extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Bone-in chicken can be used, but it will take longer to cook and may require more effort to shred. For easier shredding, boneless chicken works best.

2. Can I use a different type of sauce?

Yes! Feel free to use any BBQ sauce you prefer. You can even make your own BBQ sauce for a personalized touch.

3. Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes! To make this in an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes, then shred the chicken and return it to the sauce.

4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for added flavor and texture.

5. Can I cook the chicken on high instead of low?

Yes, cooking on high will reduce the cooking time to about 3-4 hours. Just be sure not to overcook the chicken.

6. Can I make this recipe without BBQ sauce?

Yes! You can use other sauces like teriyaki or honey mustard for different flavors, though it will no longer be BBQ chicken.

7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and BBQ sauce the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it the next day.

8. What are the best sides to serve with BBQ chicken?

Classic sides include coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, fries, or a simple green salad.

9. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to cook it on low for 8 hours to ensure it cooks thoroughly and remains tender.

10. How do I make BBQ chicken spicy?

Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the BBQ sauce for extra heat. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce if you prefer.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is the ultimate easy meal for any occasion. It’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping for the week ahead. Whether you serve it on a sandwich, in tacos, or over rice, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to please. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is a go-to for busy days, gatherings, or anytime you want a satisfying, comforting meal. So fire up your slow cooker and let it work its magic!